Federal Judge Blocks Ala. Abortion Clinic Law

U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson is blocking enforcement of Alabama's new abortion clinics law until August 15.

Lloyd Gallman
/ Montgomery Advertiser

A federal judge has blocked enforcement of Alabama's new abortion clinic law until Aug. 15 to allow time for both sides to file more legal arguments.

The new law was passed by the Legislature in its spring session. It requires doctors at abortion clinics to have approval from a local hospital to admit patients.

The law was supposed to take effect July 1, but Planned Parenthood, the American Civil Liberties Union and others got U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson to delay it while the groups challenged in it court.

Thompson's temporary restraining order was supposed to run out July 12, but he extended it Tuesday to Aug. 15 with agreement from parties on both sides.

The plaintiffs contend the law will stop abortions at three of Alabama's five licensed clinics.